While we all love the melting snow and the budding flowers in our backyards, the spring cleaning that accompanies this time of year is not always something to look forward to. For those who have a family to clean up after, adding more items to your list can often feel overwhelming. The good news is much of the cleaning that will help your pooch will also help your family live in a cleaner and healthier home.

Looking for a quick guide on how to get started? Follow some of our tips below to know how to get your home in shape this spring!

The Importance of a Good Pet Vacuum

For any home with carpet, a good vacuum is vital. Not only do vacuums help your carpet live as long as possible, regular vacuuming can actually help improve the air quality in your home. If you're in the market for a new vacuum and have shedding animals around the home, be sure to look for one that’s specifically designed for dogs. Often, these vacuums feature extra tools which can help with getting that pesky dog hair off of your carpets and upholstery. For larger -- and high shed -- dogs, there are even vacuums that include tools that allow you to vacuum some excess hair straight off of your pet's body.
In the constant in-and-out of a dog's life, they tend to bring dirt and bacteria of all kinds. Try to look for a vacuum with a high-quality HEPA filter to help keep your house spotless and your air clean.

What to Clean this Spring

For those who tend to be flustered when it comes to a laundry list of cleaning chores, there are really a few key points to focus on when it comes to spring cleaning for your pup. Take a look at our list below for the essentials when it comes to pet ownership:

Pet bedding can need a thorough clean every now and again. Most dogs love their bed, spending a large amount of time lounging on or around it. This can make it a hotspot for dirt and grime build up. It's advised that you vacuum the bed as often as you can; this helps ensure that the buildup of dirt and debris doesn't get out of control. If the bed has a removable cover, wash in cold water with a gentle laundry detergent -- your dog will be more sensitive to fragrances than we are. If you're dealing with an especially bad smelling bed, try adding a bit of baking soda to the water as a safe way to neutralize the odors.

Toys always seem to be one of the dirtiest things a dog touches, and it can seem that the dirtier they are, the more your pooch will want to play with it. Washing these toys regularly can keep them smelling good and also make sure they will last for years to come. If they're machine washable, make sure you use cold water and a safe detergent. If your dog uses hard toys, try giving them a thorough wash and rinse in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar can be a safe way to disinfect anything your pets may put in their mouth.

Schedule a good bath. After being stuck inside all winter, your pet is bound to get excited to be able to play in the mud again. Springtime is a great time to schedule a trip to the groomers to make sure their coats are in order for all the challenges of the new season. The new season will require a good brush of their coat to loosen that dead hair and dirt.

Carpets can be just as important as anything else. If your dog has had any accidents indoors, it's important to give your carpets and nice shampoo or additional spot clean to discourage further poor behavior. Although we may not be able to smell pet urine, dogs are extra sensitive. Try to use a pet-friendly detergent when shampooing and attempt to use one that's specifically designed to eliminate pet urine.


Tips for Safe Cleaning

While you're knocking items off your spring to-do list, be sure to keep safety in mind. Dogs have a habit of getting into things they shouldn't and everyday items can pose a threat to their health if you're not careful. In addition, there are a few things you may want to look out for to make sure your pet stays as healthy and happy as possible.

Use animal safe cleaners. Animal safe cleaners can be a great addition to your everyday cleaning supplies. Try to focus on green products that will be safe for your entire family, or even look into making your own all-purpose cleaner with a vinegar base.

Check for fleas. Spring can often be flea time, depending on what environment you live in. Be sure to keep an eye out for these little guys so you know if your cleaning will have to be flea-specific. Remember to vacuum regularly to keep them out of your home and choose a regular flea medication for your pets.
Avoid over bathing as this can be dangerous to your pet's health. While some might be tempted to bath their dog to get rid of every odor they smell, it can actually be harmful to their skin. To avoid over bathing, find a dry shampoo that works best for your dog. This will save their skin from being damaged as well as save you some work.


Happy Cleaning!

Now that you've got a battle plan, your spring cleaning should be a little easier this year. Just remember to keep up the pet-friendly cleaning throughout the year. Consider changing some of your cleaning products and remember to vacuum every area your pet loves regularly.